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Pramanik S, Devi M H, Chakrabarty S, Paylar B, Pradhan A, Thaker M, Ayyadhury S, Manavalan A, Olsson PE, Pramanik G, Heese K. Microglia signaling in health and disease - Implications in sex-specific brain development and plasticity. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 165:105834. [PMID: 39084583 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2024] [Revised: 07/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Microglia, the intrinsic neuroimmune cells residing in the central nervous system (CNS), exert a pivotal influence on brain development, homeostasis, and functionality, encompassing critical roles during both aging and pathological states. Recent advancements in comprehending brain plasticity and functions have spotlighted conspicuous variances between male and female brains, notably in neurogenesis, neuronal myelination, axon fasciculation, and synaptogenesis. Nevertheless, the precise impact of microglia on sex-specific brain cell plasticity, sculpting diverse neural network architectures and circuits, remains largely unexplored. This article seeks to unravel the present understanding of microglial involvement in brain development, plasticity, and function, with a specific emphasis on microglial signaling in brain sex polymorphism. Commencing with an overview of microglia in the CNS and their associated signaling cascades, we subsequently probe recent revelations regarding molecular signaling by microglia in sex-dependent brain developmental plasticity, functions, and diseases. Notably, C-X3-C motif chemokine receptor 1 (CX3CR1), triggering receptors expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2), calcium (Ca2+), and apolipoprotein E (APOE) emerge as molecular candidates significantly contributing to sex-dependent brain development and plasticity. In conclusion, we address burgeoning inquiries surrounding microglia's pivotal role in the functional diversity of developing and aging brains, contemplating their potential implications for gender-tailored therapeutic strategies in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subrata Pramanik
- Jyoti and Bhupat Mehta School of Health Sciences and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India.
| | - Harini Devi M
- Jyoti and Bhupat Mehta School of Health Sciences and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India
| | - Saswata Chakrabarty
- Jyoti and Bhupat Mehta School of Health Sciences and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, Assam, India
| | - Berkay Paylar
- Biology, The Life Science Center, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Örebro 70182, Sweden
| | - Ajay Pradhan
- Biology, The Life Science Center, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Örebro 70182, Sweden
| | - Manisha Thaker
- Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories, Inc., 2425 New Holland Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601, USA
| | - Shamini Ayyadhury
- The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Arulmani Manavalan
- Department of Cariology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600077, India
| | - Per-Erik Olsson
- Biology, The Life Science Center, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Örebro 70182, Sweden
| | - Gopal Pramanik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, Jharkhand 835215, India.
| | - Klaus Heese
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 133791, the Republic of Korea.
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2
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VanRyzin JW, Marquardt AE, McCarthy MM. Feminization of social play behavior depends on microglia. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.08.19.608675. [PMID: 39229086 PMCID: PMC11370478 DOI: 10.1101/2024.08.19.608675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
Many sex differences in brain and behavior are established developmentally by the opposing processes of feminization and masculinization, which manifest following differential steroid hormone exposure in early life. The cellular mechanisms underlying masculinization are well-documented, a result of the fact that it is steroid-mediated and can be easily induced in newborn female rodents via exogenous steroid treatment. However, the study of feminization of particular brain regions has largely been relegated to being "not masculinization" given the absence of an identified initiating trigger. As a result, the mechanisms of this key developmental process remain elusive. Here we describe a novel role for microglia, the brain's innate immune cell, in the feminization of the medial amygdala and a complex social behavior, juvenile play. In the developing amygdala, microglia promote proliferation of astrocytes equally in both sexes, with no apparent effect on rates of cell division, but support cell survival selectively in females through the trophic actions of Tumor Necrosis Factor α (TNFα). We demonstrate that disrupting TNFα signaling, either by depleting microglia or inhibiting the associated signaling pathways, prevents the feminization of astrocyte density and increases juvenile play levels to that seen in males. This data, combined with our previous finding that male-like patterns of astrocyte density are sculpted by developmental microglial phagocytosis, reveals that sexual differentiation of the medial amygdala involves opposing tensions between active masculinization and active feminization, both of which require microglia but are achieved via distinct processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan W VanRyzin
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Drug Development and University of Maryland Medicine - Institute for Neuroscience Discovery (UM-MIND), University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Ashley E Marquardt
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Drug Development and University of Maryland Medicine - Institute for Neuroscience Discovery (UM-MIND), University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Margaret M McCarthy
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Drug Development and University of Maryland Medicine - Institute for Neuroscience Discovery (UM-MIND), University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201
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3
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Mastenbroek LJM, Kooistra SM, Eggen BJL, Prins JR. The role of microglia in early neurodevelopment and the effects of maternal immune activation. Semin Immunopathol 2024; 46:1. [PMID: 38990389 PMCID: PMC11239780 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-024-01017-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Activation of the maternal immune system during gestation has been associated with an increased risk for neurodevelopmental disorders in the offspring, particularly schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder. Microglia, the tissue-resident macrophages of the central nervous system, are implicated as potential mediators of this increased risk. Early in development, microglia start populating the embryonic central nervous system and in addition to their traditional role as immune responders under homeostatic conditions, microglia are also intricately involved in various early neurodevelopmental processes. The timing of immune activation may interfere with microglia functioning during early neurodevelopment, potentially leading to long-term consequences in postnatal life. In this review we will discuss the involvement of microglia in brain development during the prenatal and early postnatal stages of life, while also examining the effects of maternal immune activation on microglia and neurodevelopmental processes. Additionally, we discuss recent single cell RNA-sequencing studies focusing on microglia during prenatal development, and hypothesize how early life microglial priming, potentially through epigenetic reprogramming, may be related to neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- L J M Mastenbroek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - S M Kooistra
- Department of BioMedical Sciences, Section Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - B J L Eggen
- Department of BioMedical Sciences, Section Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - J R Prins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
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4
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Otero AM, Connolly MG, Gonzalez-Ricon RJ, Wang SS, Allen JM, Antonson AM. Influenza A virus during pregnancy disrupts maternal intestinal immunity and fetal cortical development in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02648-9. [PMID: 38961232 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02648-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies link exposure to viral infection during pregnancy, including influenza A virus (IAV) infection, with increased incidence of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) in offspring. Models of maternal immune activation (MIA) using viral mimetics demonstrate that activation of maternal intestinal T helper 17 (TH17) cells, which produce effector cytokine interleukin (IL)-17, leads to aberrant fetal brain development, such as neocortical malformations. Fetal microglia and border-associated macrophages (BAMs) also serve as potential cellular mediators of MIA-induced cortical abnormalities. However, neither the inflammation-induced TH17 cell pathway nor fetal brain-resident macrophages have been thoroughly examined in models of live viral infection during pregnancy. Here, we inoculated pregnant mice with two infectious doses of IAV and evaluated peak innate and adaptive immune responses in the dam and fetus. While respiratory IAV infection led to dose-dependent maternal colonic shortening and microbial dysregulation, there was no elevation in intestinal TH17 cells nor IL-17. Systemically, IAV resulted in consistent dose- and time-dependent increases in IL-6 and IFN-γ. Fetal cortical abnormalities and global changes in fetal brain transcripts were observable in the high-but not the moderate-dose IAV group. Profiling of fetal microglia and BAMs revealed dose- and time-dependent differences in the numbers of meningeal but not choroid plexus BAMs, while microglial numbers and proliferative capacity of Iba1+ cells remained constant. Fetal brain-resident macrophages increased phagocytic CD68 expression, also in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. Taken together, our findings indicate that certain features of MIA are conserved between mimetic and live virus models, while others are not. Overall, we provide consistent evidence of an infection severity threshold for downstream maternal inflammation and fetal cortical abnormalities, which recapitulates a key feature of the epidemiological data and further underscores the importance of using live pathogens in NDD modeling to better evaluate the complete immune response and to improve translation to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley M Otero
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Meghan G Connolly
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | | | - Selena S Wang
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Jacob M Allen
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Adrienne M Antonson
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
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Zheng J, Baimoukhametova D, Lebel C, Bains JS, Kurrasch DM. Hypothalamic vasopressin sex differentiation is observed by embryonic day 15 in mice and is disrupted by the xenoestrogen bisphenol A. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2313207121. [PMID: 38753512 PMCID: PMC11126957 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2313207121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Arginine vasopressin (AVP) neurons of the hypothalamic paraventricular region (AVPPVN) mediate sex-biased social behaviors across most species, including mammals. In mice, neural sex differences are thought to be established during a critical window around birth ( embryonic (E) day 18 to postnatal (P) day 2) whereby circulating testosterone from the fetal testis is converted to estrogen in sex-dimorphic brain regions. Here, we found that AVPPVN neurons are sexually dimorphic by E15.5, prior to this critical window, and that gestational bisphenol A (BPA) exposure permanently masculinized female AVPPVN neuronal numbers, projections, and electrophysiological properties, causing them to display male-like phenotypes into adulthood. Moreover, we showed that nearly twice as many neurons that became AVP+ by P0 were born at E11 in males and BPA-exposed females compared to control females, suggesting that AVPPVN neuronal masculinization occurs between E11 and P0. We further narrowed this sensitive period to around the timing of neurogenesis by demonstrating that exogenous estrogen exposure from E14.5 to E15.5 masculinized female AVPPVN neuronal numbers, whereas a pan-estrogen receptor antagonist exposed from E13.5 to E15.5 blocked masculinization of males. Finally, we showed that restricting BPA exposure to E7.5-E15.5 caused adult females to display increased social dominance over control females, consistent with an acquisition of male-like behaviors. Our study reveals an E11.5 to E15.5 window of estrogen sensitivity impacting AVPPVN sex differentiation, which is impacted by prenatal BPA exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zheng
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, CalgaryT2N 1N4, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, CalgaryT2N 1N4, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, CalgaryT2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Dinara Baimoukhametova
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, CalgaryT2N 1N4, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, CalgaryT2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Catherine Lebel
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, CalgaryT2N 1N4, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, CalgaryT2N 1N4, Canada
- Department of Radiology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, CalgaryT2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Jaideep S. Bains
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, CalgaryT2N 1N4, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, CalgaryT2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Deborah M. Kurrasch
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, CalgaryT2N 1N4, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, CalgaryT2N 1N4, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, CalgaryT2N 1N4, Canada
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6
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Scher MS. Interdisciplinary fetal-neonatal neurology training applies neural exposome perspectives to neurology principles and practice. Front Neurol 2024; 14:1321674. [PMID: 38288328 PMCID: PMC10824035 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1321674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
An interdisciplinary fetal-neonatal neurology (FNN) program over the first 1,000 days teaches perspectives of the neural exposome that are applicable across the life span. This curriculum strengthens neonatal neurocritical care, pediatric, and adult neurology training objectives. Teaching at maternal-pediatric hospital centers optimally merges reproductive, pregnancy, and pediatric approaches to healthcare. Phenotype-genotype expressions of health or disease pathways represent a dynamic neural exposome over developmental time. The science of uncertainty applied to FNN training re-enforces the importance of shared clinical decisions that minimize bias and reduce cognitive errors. Trainees select mentoring committee participants that will maximize their learning experiences. Standardized questions and oral presentations monitor educational progress. Master or doctoral defense preparation and competitive research funding can be goals for specific individuals. FNN principles applied to practice offer an understanding of gene-environment interactions that recognizes the effects of reproductive health on the maternal-placental-fetal triad, neonate, child, and adult. Pre-conception and prenatal adversities potentially diminish life-course brain health. Endogenous and exogenous toxic stressor interplay (TSI) alters the neural exposome through maladaptive developmental neuroplasticity. Developmental disorders and epilepsy are primarily expressed during the first 1,000 days. Communicable and noncommunicable illnesses continue to interact with the neural exposome to express diverse neurologic disorders across the lifespan, particularly during the critical/sensitive time periods of adolescence and reproductive senescence. Anomalous or destructive fetal neuropathologic lesions change clinical expressions across this developmental-aging continuum. An integrated understanding of reproductive, pregnancy, placental, neonatal, childhood, and adult exposome effects offers a life-course perspective of the neural exposome. Exosome research promises improved disease monitoring and drug delivery starting during pregnancy. Developmental origins of health and disease principles applied to FNN practice anticipate neurologic diagnoses with interventions that can benefit successive generations. Addressing health care disparities in the Global South and high-income country medical deserts require constructive dialogue among stakeholders to achieve medical equity. Population health policies require a brain capital strategy that reduces the global burden of neurologic diseases by applying FNN principles and practice. This integrative neurologic care approach will prolong survival with an improved quality of life for persons across the lifespan confronted with neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark S. Scher
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
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7
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Chen HJ, Galley JD, Verosky BG, Yang FT, Rajasekera TA, Bailey MT, Gur TL. Fetal CCL2 signaling mediates offspring social behavior and recapitulates effects of prenatal stress. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 115:308-318. [PMID: 37914098 PMCID: PMC10872760 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal stress during pregnancy is prevalent and associated with increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in the offspring. Maternal and offspring immune dysfunction has been implicated as a potential mechanism by which prenatal stress shapes offspring neurodevelopment; however, the impact of prenatal stress on the developing immune system has yet to be elucidated. Furthermore, there is evidence that the chemokine C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) plays a key role in mediating the behavioral sequelae of prenatal stress. Here, we use an established model of prenatal restraint stress in mice to investigate alterations in the fetal immune system, with a focus on CCL2. In the placenta, stress led to a reduction in CCL2 and Ccr2 expression with a concomitant decrease in leukocyte number. However, the fetal liver exhibited an inflammatory phenotype, with upregulation of Ccl2, Il6, and Lbp expression, along with an increase in pro-inflammatory Ly6CHi monocytes. Prenatal stress also disrupted chemokine signaling and increased the number of monocytes and microglia in the fetal brain. Furthermore, stress increased Il1b expression by fetal brain CD11b+ microglia and monocytes. Finally, intra-amniotic injections of recombinant mouse CCL2 partially recapitulated the social behavioral deficits in the adult offspring previously observed in the prenatal restraint stress model. Altogether, these data suggest that prenatal stress led to fetal inflammation, and that fetal CCL2 plays a role in shaping offspring social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen J Chen
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States; Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States; Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States; Medical Scientist Training Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Jeffrey D Galley
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States; Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Branden G Verosky
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States; Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States; Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States; Medical Scientist Training Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Felix T Yang
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States; Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States; Medical Scientist Training Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Therese A Rajasekera
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States; Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Michael T Bailey
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States; Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, The Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States; Biosciences Division, College of Dentistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Tamar L Gur
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States; Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States; Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States; Medical Scientist Training Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States; Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus OH, United States.
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8
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Fong H, Zheng J, Kurrasch D. The structural and functional complexity of the integrative hypothalamus. Science 2023; 382:388-394. [PMID: 37883552 DOI: 10.1126/science.adh8488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
The hypothalamus ("hypo" meaning below, and "thalamus" meaning bed) consists of regulatory circuits that support basic life functions that ensure survival. Sitting at the interface between peripheral, environmental, and neural inputs, the hypothalamus integrates these sensory inputs to influence a range of physiologies and behaviors. Unlike the neocortex, in which a stereotyped cytoarchitecture mediates complex functions across a comparatively small number of neuronal fates, the hypothalamus comprises upwards of thousands of distinct cell types that form redundant yet functionally discrete circuits. With single-cell RNA sequencing studies revealing further cellular heterogeneity and modern photonic tools enabling high-resolution dissection of complex circuitry, a new era of hypothalamic mapping has begun. Here, we provide a general overview of mammalian hypothalamic organization, development, and connectivity to help welcome newcomers into this exciting field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harmony Fong
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jing Zheng
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Deborah Kurrasch
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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9
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Zhu H, Guan A, Liu J, Peng L, Zhang Z, Wang S. Noteworthy perspectives on microglia in neuropsychiatric disorders. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:223. [PMID: 37794488 PMCID: PMC10548593 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02901-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglia are so versatile that they not only provide immune surveillance for central nervous system, but participate in neural circuitry development, brain blood vessels formation, blood-brain barrier architecture, and intriguingly, the regulation of emotions and behaviors. Microglia have a profound impact on neuronal survival, brain wiring and synaptic plasticity. As professional phagocytic cells in the brain, they remove dead cell debris and neurotoxic agents via an elaborate mechanism. The functional profile of microglia varies considerately depending on age, gender, disease context and other internal or external environmental factors. Numerous studies have demonstrated a pivotal involvement of microglia in neuropsychiatric disorders, including negative affection, social deficit, compulsive behavior, fear memory, pain and other symptoms associated with major depression disorder, anxiety disorder, autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. In this review, we summarized the latest discoveries regarding microglial ontogeny, cell subtypes or state spectrum, biological functions and mechanistic underpinnings of emotional and behavioral disorders. Furthermore, we highlight the potential of microglia-targeted therapies of neuropsychiatric disorders, and propose outstanding questions to be addressed in future research of human microglia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongrui Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China.
| | - Ao Guan
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Jiayuan Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China
| | - Li Peng
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China
| | - Zhi Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China.
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China.
| | - Sheng Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China.
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10
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Yaqubi M, Groh AMR, Dorion MF, Afanasiev E, Luo JXX, Hashemi H, Sinha S, Kieran NW, Blain M, Cui QL, Biernaskie J, Srour M, Dudley R, Hall JA, Sonnen JA, Arbour N, Prat A, Stratton JA, Antel J, Healy LM. Analysis of the microglia transcriptome across the human lifespan using single cell RNA sequencing. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:132. [PMID: 37254100 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02809-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microglia are tissue resident macrophages with a wide range of critically important functions in central nervous system development and homeostasis. METHOD In this study, we aimed to characterize the transcriptional landscape of ex vivo human microglia across different developmental ages using cells derived from pre-natal, pediatric, adolescent, and adult brain samples. We further confirmed our transcriptional observations using ELISA and RNAscope. RESULTS We showed that pre-natal microglia have a distinct transcriptional and regulatory signature relative to their post-natal counterparts that includes an upregulation of phagocytic pathways. We confirmed upregulation of CD36, a positive regulator of phagocytosis, in pre-natal samples compared to adult samples in situ. Moreover, we showed adult microglia have more pro-inflammatory signature compared to microglia from other developmental ages. We indicated that adult microglia are more immune responsive by secreting increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in response to LPS treatment compared to the pre-natal microglia. We further validated in situ up-regulation of IL18 and CXCR4 in human adult brain section compared to the pre-natal brain section. Finally, trajectory analysis indicated that the transcriptional signatures adopted by microglia throughout development are in response to a changing brain microenvironment and do not reflect predetermined developmental states. CONCLUSION In all, this study provides unique insight into the development of human microglia and a useful reference for understanding microglial contribution to developmental and age-related human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moein Yaqubi
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Adam M R Groh
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-France Dorion
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Elia Afanasiev
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Julia Xiao Xuan Luo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Hadi Hashemi
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Shiraz University of Technology, Shiraz, Fars, Iran
| | - Sarthak Sinha
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Nicholas W Kieran
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Manon Blain
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Qiao-Ling Cui
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jeff Biernaskie
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Myriam Srour
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Montreal Children's Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Roy Dudley
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Montreal Children's Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jeffery A Hall
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Joshua A Sonnen
- Departments of Pathology, Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Nathalie Arbour
- Neuroimmunology Research Laboratory, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de L, Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Alexandre Prat
- Department of Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jo Anne Stratton
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jack Antel
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Luke M Healy
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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11
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Wong FK, Favuzzi E. The brain's polymath: Emerging roles of microglia throughout brain development. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2023; 79:102700. [PMID: 36848726 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2023.102700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
Microglia, the resident brain immune cells, have garnered a reputation as major effectors of circuit wiring due to their ability to prune synapses. Other roles of microglia in regulating neuronal circuit development have so far received comparatively less attention. Here, we review the latest studies that have contributed to our increased understanding of how microglia regulate brain wiring beyond their role in synapse pruning. We summarize recent findings showing that microglia regulate neuronal numbers and influence neuronal connectivity through a bidirectional communication between microglia and neurons, processes regulated by neuronal activity and the remodeling of the extracellular matrix. Finally, we speculate on the potential contribution of microglia to the development of functional networks and propose an integrative view of microglia as active elements of neural circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fong Kuan Wong
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, United Kingdom; Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, UK. https://twitter.com/brainotopia
| | - Emilia Favuzzi
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06519, USA; Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06519, USA.
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12
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Pate BS, Bouknight SJ, Harrington EN, Mott SE, Augenblick LM, Smiley CE, Morgan CG, Calatayud BM, Martínez-Muñiz GA, Thayer JF, Wood SK. Site-Specific knockdown of microglia in the locus coeruleus regulates hypervigilant responses to social stress in female rats. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 109:190-203. [PMID: 36682513 PMCID: PMC11195023 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women are at increased risk for psychosocial stress-related anxiety disorders, yet mechanisms regulating this risk are unknown. Psychosocial stressors activate microglia, and the resulting neuroimmune responses that females exhibit heightened sensitivity to may serve as an etiological factor in their elevated risk. However, studies examining the role of microglia during stress in females are lacking. METHODS Microglia were manipulated in the stress-sensitive locus coeruleus (LC) of female rats in the context of social stress in two ways. First, intra-LC lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 0 or 3 μg/side, n = 5-6/group), a potent TLR4 agonist and microglial activator, was administered. One hour later, rats were exposed to control or an aggressive social defeat encounter between two males (WS, 15-min). In a separate study, females were treated with intra-LC or intra-central amygdala mannosylated liposomes containing clodronate (m-CLD; 0 or 25 μg/side, n = 13-14/group), a compound toxic to microglia. WS-evoked burying, cardiovascular responses, and sucrose preference were measured. Brain and plasma cytokines were quantified, and cardiovascular telemetry assessed autonomic balance. RESULTS Intra-LC LPS augmented the WS-induced burying response and increased plasma corticosterone and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Further, the efficacy and selectivity of microinjected m-CLD was fully characterized. In the context of WS, intra-LC m-CLD attenuated the hypervigilant burying response during WS as well as the accumulation of intra-LC IL-1β. Intra-central amygdala m-CLD had no effect on WS-evoked behavior. CONCLUSIONS These studies highlight an innovative method for depleting microglia in a brain region specific manner and indicate that microglia in the LC differentially regulate hypervigilant WS-evoked behavioral and autonomic responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany S Pate
- Department of Exercise Science, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Samantha J Bouknight
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Evelynn N Harrington
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Sarah E Mott
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Lee M Augenblick
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Cora E Smiley
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA; WJB Dorn VA Medical Center, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Christopher G Morgan
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Brittney M Calatayud
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Gustavo A Martínez-Muñiz
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Julian F Thayer
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Susan K Wood
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA; WJB Dorn VA Medical Center, Columbia, SC, USA.
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13
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Fong H, Kurrasch DM. Developmental and functional relationships between hypothalamic tanycytes and embryonic radial glia. Front Neurosci 2023; 16:1129414. [PMID: 36741057 PMCID: PMC9895379 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1129414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamus is a key regulator of several homeostatic processes, such as circadian rhythms, energy balance, thirst, and thermoregulation. Recently, the hypothalamic third ventricle has emerged as a site of postnatal neurogenesis and gliogenesis. This hypothalamic neural stem potential resides in a heterogeneous population of cells known as tanycytes, which, not unlike radial glia, line the floor and ventrolateral walls of the third ventricle and extend a long process into the hypothalamic parenchyma. Here, we will review historical and recent data regarding tanycyte biology across the lifespan, focusing on the developmental emergence of these diverse cells from embryonic radial glia and their eventual role contributing to a fascinating, but relatively poorly characterized, adult neural stem cell niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harmony Fong
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Deborah M. Kurrasch
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,*Correspondence: Deborah M. Kurrasch,
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14
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Khodosevich K, Sellgren CM. Neurodevelopmental disorders-high-resolution rethinking of disease modeling. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:34-43. [PMID: 36434058 PMCID: PMC9812768 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01876-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders arise due to various risk factors that can perturb different stages of brain development, and a combinatorial impact of these risk factors programs the phenotype in adulthood. While modeling the complete phenotype of a neurodevelopmental disorder is challenging, individual developmental perturbations can be successfully modeled in vivo in animals and in vitro in human cellular models. Nevertheless, our limited knowledge of human brain development restricts modeling strategies and has raised questions of how well a model corresponds to human in vivo brain development. Recent progress in high-resolution analysis of human tissue with single-cell and spatial omics techniques has enhanced our understanding of the complex events that govern the development of the human brain in health and disease. This new knowledge can be utilized to improve modeling of neurodevelopmental disorders and pave the way to more accurately portraying the relevant developmental perturbations in disease models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Khodosevich
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Carl M Sellgren
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm County Council, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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15
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de Almeida MMA, Goodkey K, Voronova A. Regulation of microglia function by neural stem cells. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1130205. [PMID: 36937181 PMCID: PMC10014810 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1130205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural stem and precursor cells (NPCs) build and regenerate the central nervous system (CNS) by maintaining their pool (self-renewal) and differentiating into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes (multipotency) throughout life. This has inspired research into pro-regenerative therapies that utilize transplantation of exogenous NPCs or recruitment of endogenous adult NPCs for CNS regeneration and repair. Recent advances in single-cell RNA sequencing and other "omics" have revealed that NPCs express not just traditional progenitor-related genes, but also genes involved in immune function. Here, we review how NPCs exert immunomodulatory function by regulating the biology of microglia, immune cells that are present in NPC niches and throughout the CNS. We discuss the role of transplanted and endogenous NPCs in regulating microglia fates, such as survival, proliferation, migration, phagocytosis and activation, in the developing, injured and degenerating CNS. We also provide a literature review on NPC-specific mediators that are responsible for modulating microglia biology. Our review highlights the immunomodulatory properties of NPCs and the significance of these findings in the context of designing pro-regenerative therapies for degenerating and diseased CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique M. A. de Almeida
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Kara Goodkey
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Women and Children’s Health Research Institute, 5-083 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Anastassia Voronova
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Women and Children’s Health Research Institute, 5-083 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre and Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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16
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Vidal-Itriago A, Radford RAW, Aramideh JA, Maurel C, Scherer NM, Don EK, Lee A, Chung RS, Graeber MB, Morsch M. Microglia morphophysiological diversity and its implications for the CNS. Front Immunol 2022; 13:997786. [PMID: 36341385 PMCID: PMC9627549 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.997786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglia are mononuclear phagocytes of mesodermal origin that migrate to the central nervous system (CNS) during the early stages of embryonic development. After colonizing the CNS, they proliferate and remain able to self-renew throughout life, maintaining the number of microglia around 5-12% of the cells in the CNS parenchyma. They are considered to play key roles in development, homeostasis and innate immunity of the CNS. Microglia are exceptionally diverse in their morphological characteristics, actively modifying the shape of their processes and soma in response to different stimuli. This broad morphological spectrum of microglia responses is considered to be closely correlated to their diverse range of functions in health and disease. However, the morphophysiological attributes of microglia, and the structural and functional features of microglia-neuron interactions, remain largely unknown. Here, we assess the current knowledge of the diverse microglial morphologies, with a focus on the correlation between microglial shape and function. We also outline some of the current challenges, opportunities, and future directions that will help us to tackle unanswered questions about microglia, and to continue unravelling the mysteries of microglia, in all its shapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Vidal-Itriago
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Rowan A. W. Radford
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jason A. Aramideh
- Brain and Mind Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Cindy Maurel
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Natalie M. Scherer
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Emily K. Don
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Albert Lee
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Roger S. Chung
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Manuel B. Graeber
- Brain and Mind Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Marco Morsch
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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17
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Otero AM, Antonson AM. At the crux of maternal immune activation: Viruses, microglia, microbes, and IL-17A. Immunol Rev 2022; 311:205-223. [PMID: 35979731 PMCID: PMC9804202 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation during prenatal development can be detrimental to neurodevelopmental processes, increasing the risk of neuropsychiatric disorders. Prenatal exposure to maternal viral infection during pregnancy is a leading environmental risk factor for manifestation of these disorders. Preclinical animal models of maternal immune activation (MIA), established to investigate this link, have revealed common immune and microbial signaling pathways that link mother and fetus and set the tone for prenatal neurodevelopment. In particular, maternal intestinal T helper 17 cells, educated by endogenous microbes, appear to be key drivers of effector IL-17A signals capable of reaching the fetal brain and causing neuropathologies. Fetal microglial cells are particularly sensitive to maternally derived inflammatory and microbial signals, and they shift their functional phenotype in response to MIA. Resulting cortical malformations and miswired interneuron circuits cause aberrant offspring behaviors that recapitulate core symptoms of human neurodevelopmental disorders. Still, the popular use of "sterile" immunostimulants to initiate MIA has limited translation to the clinic, as these stimulants fail to capture biologically relevant innate and adaptive inflammatory sequelae induced by live pathogen infection. Thus, there is a need for more translatable MIA models, with a focus on relevant pathogens like seasonal influenza viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley M. Otero
- Neuroscience ProgramUniversity of Illinois Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIllinoisUSA
| | - Adrienne M. Antonson
- Department of Animal SciencesUniversity of Illinois Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIllinoisUSA
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18
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Sullivan O, Ciernia AV. Work hard, play hard: how sexually differentiated microglia work to shape social play and reproductive behavior. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:989011. [PMID: 36172465 PMCID: PMC9510374 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.989011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia are brain-resident immune cells that play a critical role in synaptic pruning and circuit fine-tuning during development. In the adult brain, microglia actively survey their local environment and mobilize inflammatory responses to signs of damage or infection. Sex differences in microglial gene expression and function across the lifespan have been identified, which play a key role in shaping brain function and behavior. The levels of sex hormones such as androgens, estrogens, and progesterone vary in an age-dependent and sex-dependent manner. Microglia respond both directly and indirectly to changes in hormone levels, altering transcriptional gene expression, morphology, and function. Of particular interest is the microglial function in brain regions that are highly sexually differentiated in development such as the amygdala as well as the pre-optic and ventromedial hypothalamic regions. With a focus on hormone-sensitive developmental windows, this review compares male and female microglia in the embryonic, developing, and adult brain with a particular interest in the influence of sex hormones on microglial wiring of social, reproductive, and disordered behavior circuits in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Sullivan
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Annie Vogel Ciernia
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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19
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Gonzalez A, Hammock EAD. Oxytocin and microglia in the development of social behaviour. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210059. [PMID: 35858111 PMCID: PMC9272152 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin is a well-established regulator of social behaviour. Microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system, regulate brain development and maintenance in health and disease. Oxytocin and microglia interact: microglia appear to regulate the oxytocin system and are, in turn, regulated by oxytocin, which appears to have anti-inflammatory effects. Both microglia and oxytocin are regulated in sex-specific ways. Oxytocin and microglia may work together to promote experience-dependent circuit refinement through multiple developmental-sensitive periods contributing to individual differences in social behaviour. This article is part of the theme issue 'Interplays between oxytocin and other neuromodulators in shaping complex social behaviours'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Gonzalez
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, 1107 West Call Street, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. D. Hammock
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, 1107 West Call Street, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
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20
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Ngozi Z, Bolton JL. Microglia Don't Treat All Neurons the Same: The Importance of Neuronal Subtype in Microglia-Neuron Interactions in the Developing Hypothalamus. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:867217. [PMID: 35496905 PMCID: PMC9051542 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.867217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglia are now well-known as integral regulators of brain development, phagocytosing whole neurons, and pruning weak or excess synapses in order to sculpt and refine immature circuits. However, the importance of neuronal subtype in guiding microglial activity has not received much attention until recently. This perspective will delineate what is known about this topic so far, starting with the developing brain as a whole and then focusing on the developing hypothalamus in particular. There is emerging evidence that subpopulations of microglia treat excitatory and inhibitory neurons differently, and our recent work has shown that even the type of neuropeptide produced by the nearby neurons is important. For example, microglia abutting corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)-expressing neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) engulf fewer excitatory synapses than do microglia on the borders of the PVN that are not contacting CRH+ neurons. Potential future directions and technical considerations will be discussed in an effort to catalyze this emerging and exciting area of research. Applications of this research may hold promise in creating more specific therapies that target unique subtypes of microglia-neuron interactions in the atypically developing brain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jessica L. Bolton
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, United States
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21
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Rosin JM, Tretiakov N, Hanniman E, Hampton K, Kurrasch DM. Gestational Bisphenol A Exposure Impacts Embryonic Hypothalamic Microglia Numbers, Ramification, and Phagocytic Cups. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:830399. [PMID: 35250464 PMCID: PMC8894877 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.830399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia are a resident population of phagocytic immune cells that reside within the central nervous system (CNS). During gestation, they are highly sensitive to their surrounding environment and can alter their physiology to respond to perceived neural insults, potentially leading to adverse influences on nearby neural progenitors. Given that bisphenol A (BPA) itself can impact developing brains, and that microglia express estrogen receptors to which BPA can bind, here we asked whether fetal microglia are responsive to gestational BPA exposure. Accordingly, we exposed pregnant dams to control or 50 mg of BPA per kg diet during gestation to investigate the impact of maternal BPA on embryonic hypothalamic microglia. Gestational BPA exposure from embryonic day 0.5 (E0.5) to E15.5 resulted in a significant increase in the number of microglia present in the hypothalamus of both male and female embryos. Staining for microglial activation using CD68 showed no change between control and prenatal BPA-exposed microglia, regardless of sex. Similarly, analysis of cultured embryonic brains demonstrated that gestational BPA exposure failed to change the secretion of cytokines or chemokines, regardless of embryo sex or the dose (50 μg of BPA per kg or 50 mg of BPA per kg maternal diet) of BPA treatment. In contrast, live-cell imaging of microglia dynamics in E15.5 control and gestationally-exposed BPA hypothalamic slices showed increased ramification of microglia exposed to BPA. Moreover, live-cell imaging also revealed a significant increase in the number of microglial phagocytic cups visible following exposure to gestational BPA. Together, these results suggest that gestational BPA exposure impacts embryonic hypothalamic microglia, perhaps leading them to alter their interactions with developing neural programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M. Rosin
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Oral Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Jessica M. Rosin,
| | - Nikol Tretiakov
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Emily Hanniman
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Kiana Hampton
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Deborah M. Kurrasch
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Deborah M. Kurrasch,
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22
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Abstract
Microglia are the resident immune cells of the central nervous system. Microglial progenitors are generated in the yolk sac during the early embryonic stage. Once microglia enter the brain primordium, these cells colonize the structure through migration and proliferation during brain development. Microglia account for a minor population among the total cells that constitute the developing cortex, but they can associate with many surrounding neural lineage cells by extending their filopodia and through their broad migration capacity. Of note, microglia change their distribution in a stage-dependent manner in the developing brain: microglia are homogenously distributed in the pallium in the early and late embryonic stages, whereas these cells are transiently absent from the cortical plate (CP) from embryonic day (E) 15 to E16 and colonize the ventricular zone (VZ), subventricular zone (SVZ), and intermediate zone (IZ). Previous studies have reported that microglia positioned in the VZ/SVZ/IZ play multiple roles in neural lineage cells, such as regulating neurogenesis, cell survival and neuronal circuit formation. In addition to microglial functions in the zones in which microglia are replenished, these cells indirectly contribute to the proper maturation of post-migratory neurons by exiting the CP during the mid-embryonic stage. Overall, microglial time-dependent distributional changes are necessary to provide particular functions that are required in specific regions. This review summarizes recent advances in the understanding of microglial colonization and multifaceted functions in the developing brain, especially focusing on the embryonic stage, and discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying microglial behaviors.
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23
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Guérout N. Plasticity of the Injured Spinal Cord. Cells 2021; 10:cells10081886. [PMID: 34440655 PMCID: PMC8395000 DOI: 10.3390/cells10081886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Complete spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to permanent motor, sensitive and sensory deficits. In humans, there is currently no therapy to promote recovery and the only available treatments include surgical intervention to prevent further damage and symptomatic relief of pain and infections in the acute and chronic phases, respectively. Basically, the spinal cord is classically viewed as a nonregenerative tissue with limited plasticity. Thereby the establishment of the “glial” scar which appears within the SCI is mainly described as a hermetic barrier for axon regeneration. However, recent discoveries have shed new light on the intrinsic functional plasticity and endogenous recovery potential of the spinal cord. In this review, we will address the different aspects that the spinal cord plasticity can take on. Indeed, different experimental paradigms have demonstrated that axonal regrowth can occur even after complete SCI. Moreover, recent articles have demonstrated too that the “glial” scar is in fact composed of several cellular populations and that each of them exerts specific roles after SCI. These recent discoveries underline the underestimation of the plasticity of the spinal cord at cellular and molecular levels. Finally, we will address the modulation of this endogenous spinal cord plasticity and the perspectives of future therapeutic opportunities which can be offered by modulating the injured spinal cord microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Guérout
- EA3830 GRHV, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), Normandie Université, UNIROUEN, 76000 Rouen, France
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Carthy E, Ellender T. Histamine, Neuroinflammation and Neurodevelopment: A Review. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:680214. [PMID: 34335160 PMCID: PMC8317266 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.680214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The biogenic amine, histamine, has been shown to critically modulate inflammatory processes as well as the properties of neurons and synapses in the brain, and is also implicated in the emergence of neurodevelopmental disorders. Indeed, a reduction in the synthesis of this neuromodulator has been associated with the disorders Tourette's syndrome and obsessive-compulsive disorder, with evidence that this may be through the disruption of the corticostriatal circuitry during development. Furthermore, neuroinflammation has been associated with alterations in brain development, e.g., impacting synaptic plasticity and synaptogenesis, and there are suggestions that histamine deficiency may leave the developing brain more vulnerable to proinflammatory insults. While most studies have focused on neuronal sources of histamine it remains unclear to what extent other (non-neuronal) sources of histamine, e.g., from mast cells and other sources, can impact brain development. The few studies that have started exploring this in vitro, and more limited in vivo, would indicate that non-neuronal released histamine and other preformed mediators can influence microglial-mediated neuroinflammation which can impact brain development. In this Review we will summarize the state of the field with regard to non-neuronal sources of histamine and its impact on both neuroinflammation and brain development in key neural circuits that underpin neurodevelopmental disorders. We will also discuss whether histamine receptor modulators have been efficacious in the treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders in both preclinical and clinical studies. This could represent an important area of future research as early modulation of histamine from neuronal as well as non-neuronal sources may provide novel therapeutic targets in these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliott Carthy
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Tommas Ellender
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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